Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S25
Starting at
£475.30£799.00 new
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Starting at
£840.13£1,399.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 Pro Max?
Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 starts at £475.30, £364.83 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Galaxy S25 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
- The Galaxy S25 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max specs
The Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer distinct experiences suited to different preferences. The Galaxy S25 provides a compact 6.2 inch screen with vibrant Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X technology and 12 GB of RAM, ideal for users who want a smaller device with strong multitasking capabilities. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features a larger 6.9 inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen with higher resolution and a bigger battery capacity, making it a good choice for those who prioritise screen size and longer battery life. Storage options also differ, with the iPhone offering up to 1TB and the Galaxy maxing out at 512GB. Both come unlocked with 5G and USB-C connectors, but their operating systems and camera setups cater to different user ecosystems and photo preferences.
Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max price
Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max battery life and software updates
Durability covers key practical aspects like battery capacity, operating system, and physical design that affect everyday use. Some differences may influence how you use each device.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger battery capacity at 4685 mAh compared to the Galaxy S25's 4000 mAh. This means the iPhone may offer longer battery life between charges, which is useful if you often use your phone for extended periods away from power. The Galaxy's battery is smaller but still suitable for typical daily use.
Operating System
The Galaxy S25 runs Android, giving you access to a wide variety of apps and customisation options familiar to Android users. The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses iOS 18, known for its smooth integration with Apple services and consistent software updates. Your choice here depends on which operating system you prefer and use regularly.
Physical Size and Weight
The Galaxy S25 is smaller and lighter, measuring 146.9 mm in height and weighing 162 g. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is larger and heavier at 163 mm tall and 227 g. If you want a phone that fits comfortably in one hand or a pocket, the Galaxy is better suited. The iPhone's size offers more screen space but is bulkier to carry.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max performance
Performance relates to how smoothly and quickly each phone runs apps and handles multitasking. Differences in chipset, RAM, and storage options affect this experience.
Chipset
The Galaxy S25 uses the Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is powered by the Apple A18 Pro. Both are designed for high performance, so each phone should handle demanding apps and games well. Your preference might depend on which ecosystem you favour.
RAM Capacity
The Galaxy S25 offers 12 GB of RAM, which helps keep many apps open at once and supports multitasking smoothly. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has 8 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for everyday use and handles iOS optimisation effectively. Users who run multiple apps simultaneously may notice the extra RAM on the Galaxy.
Storage Options
Storage choices for the Galaxy S25 start at 128GB and go up to 512GB, which suits most users who store photos, videos, and apps. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers larger maximum storage up to 1TB, ideal if you want to keep a large media library or many apps without using cloud storage.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for videos, photos, and browsing. Both devices offer high refresh rates but differ in size, resolution, and screen technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a larger 6.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1320 x 2868 pixels, providing more room and sharper detail for watching videos or reading. The Galaxy S25 has a smaller 6.2 inch screen with 1080 x 2340 pixels, which is more compact and easier to use with one hand.
Screen Technology
The Galaxy S25 uses Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X technology, which delivers vibrant colours and efficient power use. The iPhone 16 Pro Max features LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, known for bright, accurate colours and excellent contrast. Both support a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations feel fluid.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max camera
Audiovisual features include cameras and front camera specs, which influence photo quality and video calls. Both devices have triple rear cameras but differ in megapixels and front camera detail.
Camera Megapixels
The Galaxy S25 has a 50 megapixel main camera and a 50 MP front camera, which allows for detailed photos and high-resolution selfies. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 48 megapixel main camera and a 12 megapixel front camera. If you value higher megapixels for selfies, the Galaxy's front camera may appeal more.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max size and design
Miscellaneous specifications cover connectivity, physical dimensions, and other features that affect daily use and compatibility.
Carrier and SIM Options
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G networks. The Galaxy S25 includes dual physical SIM slots, which can be convenient if you use two phone numbers or travel internationally. The iPhone 16 Pro Max uses eSIM technology, which supports digital SIM cards and can be easier to manage without physical SIM cards.
Physical Dimensions
The Galaxy S25 is slimmer and smaller in width and height, making it easier to handle for users who prefer more compact devices. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is thicker and wider, reflecting its larger screen and battery size, which may suit those who prioritise screen space over compactness.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16 Pro Max: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S25 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £475.30, £364.83 less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone 16 Pro Max if
- you want a bigger battery (4685 mAh vs 4000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 6.2 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who buy the Galaxy S25 frequently mention that the phone looks and feels like new, with excellent battery health and performance. Many appreciate the value of buying refurbished, noting the good condition and smooth operation. The camera quality and processor receive positive remarks, and the compact size suits users who want a phone that fits comfortably in the hand or pocket. Some users report occasional connectivity issues but overall the Galaxy S25 is praised for its appearance and battery life.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max receives high praise for its like-new condition, responsive touchscreen, and excellent battery health. Customers highlight the premium feel of the device and the smooth operation of iOS 18. Many are happy with the screen quality and camera performance. Battery health measurements near 100 percent and low charge cycles reassure buyers looking for a reliable refurbished phone. Some users note initial SIM issues that resolved quickly and others value the larger storage options available.
Choosing between these two depends on your priorities. If you want a more compact phone with more RAM and a high-resolution front camera, the Galaxy S25 fits well. If you prefer a larger screen, longer battery capacity, and the iOS ecosystem, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a strong choice.
Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max FAQs
Galaxy S25 vs iPhone 16 Pro Max comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8750-AC Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) on the Galaxy S25, Apple A18 Pro on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Galaxy S25 has more RAM: 12 GB vs 8 GB.
The Galaxy S25 is cheaper refurbished, from £475.30 compared with £840.13 for the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a bigger battery: 4685 mAh vs 4000 mAh.
The Galaxy S25 has a higher-resolution main camera: 50 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The Galaxy S25 gets updates until Feb 2032. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is still supported and can run iOS 27.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S25 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB.
